Fennel

What to drink: Abarbanel 2001 Syrah, Vin de Pays de l'Aude, France (kosher) or Clos du Bois 1999 Reserve Shiraz, Alexander Valley.

Shrimp, fennel, and mushrooms make for an impeccable version of this light and crispy Italian starter.

Salmon is given the weeknight-friendly pastrami treatment with a sugar-and-spice blend that creates a smoky crust reminiscent of the cured meat.

We love precooked beets—and this speedy, hearty dish proves why.

Swap tomatoes for citrus in this wintery twist on the classic Italian bread salad.

Caramelized fennel is a revelation, especially when tossed with hot pasta and lots of Parmesan.

Extra juicy and very crunchy, these thick-cut breaded pork chops are an impressive dinner option served with a crisp pickled-fennel salad.

Citrus and fennel play very nicely together, particularly with seared scallops and mini, al dente pasta.

This vegan twist on a lamb sausage hummus bowl features a trio of textures—creamy, crisp, and meaty—that will keep you coming back for more.

Inspired by Greek avgolemono, this versatile stew is a seafood party with a lemony punch in a creamy broth enriched with eggs.

Crispy salmon skin, crunchy fennel salad, and creamy tahini yogurt make this a texture-seeker’s dream dinner.

Show off peak season citrus in this bright and tangy salad that makes a great counterpoint to some of winter’s dark, rich foods.

A small batch of fridge pickles made with regular old carrot, onion, and fennel will bring out your inner homesteader.

Simple roast chicken gets a boost from bright and crunchy gremolata (with a whole lemon in the mix!) and a finishing agrodolce drizzle.

The addition of homemade confit garlic—a 20-minute set-it-and-forget-it move—takes this fennel-forward pizza to the next level.

Risotto has a reputation for being fussy and laborious, but a few tips will get you on your way to a pot of creamy perfection (no constant stirring required).

A few skewers and a hot grill turn this short list of ingredients (Italian sausage! fresh fennel! olives!) into a quick, punchy meal.